PIKE COUNTY – In 2018 a bipartisan Senate resolution was passed to make September National Workforce Development Month.

The resolution’s purpose is to recognize the value of education and training programs aimed at improving Americans’ abilities to meet the needs of the ever changing workplace.

Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wy), a sponsor of the resolution noted upon its passing, “If we want Americans to thrive under a healthy and dynamic economy, it is important that our workers are trained and educated with the skills needed to compete for the best jobs and to create the best business…Whether it is through job corps or career and technical education programs or programs supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, we are looking to help ensure American workers are properly prepared to succeed in the 21st century economy.”

Locally, Pike-Lincoln Technical Center (PLTC) continues to meet the purpose of WorkForce Development Month every day for adults and high school students alike in Northeast Missouri.

With a stated mission to “Provide Each And Every Student With The Opportunity To Succeed Through An Enriching Learning Experience,” PLTC is on the front line of workforce development for our communities and beyond.

PLTC offers programs in Computer Networking, 3D Animation, and Health Sciences, among others. These areas have been projected by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics to account for 24 of the 30 careers expected to have the largest growth over the next 10 years.

In addition to offering programming sought out nationwide, PLTC is meeting the needs of our local communities. Missouri is set to have an average of 980 open welding jobs each year through 2026, according to information gathered through a grant from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. To prepare local students to fill this need, PLTC has expanded it’s welding program with the addition of a new instructor and 11 new welding booths. Furthermore, PLTC has re-introduce Diesel Technician classes this year after a several year hiatus. This course prepares students to fill one of the annual 550 job openings in Missouri each year.

For more information about student enrollment for current high school juniors or seniors please call PLTC at (573) 485- 2900 or email Shannon Wills, Guidance Counselor, at williss@pltc.edu. For information specific to adult learners please call or e-mail Michele Noah, Adult Education Coordinator, at noahm@pltc.edu. To see how PLTC can partner with your organization to help build both PLTC and your organization, contact our Director, Martin Hanley, at hanleym@pltc.edu Finally, you can visit the PLTC website at www.pltc.edu and utilized the “contact us” feature, found under the “about us” heading.